Counselling

Professional Counselling Services

Centre for Sexuality offers free, short-term counselling services to help people address challenges related to sexuality and sexual health.

Our counselling supports take a holistic and client-centered approach, meaning we recognize individuals as experts on their own lives and agents of their own change. In all sessions, we focus on helping clients build effective tools to better understand themselves and to achieve their own self-identified goals. We do not offer advice or tell clients what to do.

Our counselling model is based on a single session approach, meaning one session may be enough for impactful change to occur. In fact, research shows that readiness for change is often greatest when people first seek help and are generally satisfied with the change they achieve in a single session. Should a client require ongoing support, we’ll consider additional sessions on a case-by-case basis or provide an appropriate referral to one of our trusted partners.

Things to Consider

Our staff focus on normalizing healthy sexuality and supporting clients with making informed choices that are right for them. We do not offer interventions to modify, reduce or eliminate specific sexual behaviours or problems. Our support model emphasizes individual choice and self-determination and as such, participation in any of our sessions is purely voluntary.

Due to the structure of our support services, we’re unable to offer court-ordered or otherwise mandated counselling services. Likewise, we do not accept referrals for individuals involved in the justice system. If you’re looking to access these services, contact us for information on an appropriate referral.

One-On-One Sexual Health Education

In addition to our counselling services, we also offer individual sexual health education sessions. These short sessions are intended to enhance a client’s understanding of sexual health topics, normalize healthy sexuality and support clients with making informed decisions about their own sexual health. Our team of educators can provide information on topics such as birth control options, sexually transmitted infections, anatomy, decision making and communication and media literacy.

Note: Centre for Sexuality does not offer prescriptions or medical advice. While we are happy to discuss your birth control options with you, clients looking for birth control or emergency contraceptives will be referred to a Sexual Reproductive Health Clinic.

Session Availability

Support services are delivered primarily at the Centre for Sexuality during regular office hours (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). Sessions are generally one hour in length but can be longer if needed.

Arrangements can be made on a case-by-case basis to meet in public or community locations (schools, hospitals, group homes), or outside of regular office hours. In addition to face-to-face, our counsellors are available to meet by phone or email.

Request an Appointment

To start the process of booking a counselling appointment or a one-on-one education session, please complete an online Client Information Form. This information will help our team direct you to the services and supports most useful to you. This may include booking services with us, or a referral to one of our trusted community partners.

If you would like assistance completing this form, please contact our office by calling 403-283-5580, or by contacting our Intake Coordinator at mmyers-stewart@centreforsexuality.ca

Support for Trans Identities

Outside of our regular counselling services, Centre for Sexuality provides access to a registered Psychiatrist qualified to address the needs of trans identities. Dr. David Gibbs works out of the Centre for Sexuality as a consulting Psychiatrist and is available to our clients on a referral-only basis.

A person can be referred to Dr. Gibbs by a Physician or Registered Psychologist. All referrals can be faxed to 403-270-3209.

For more information about the referral process or the current wait-time for an appointment with our consulting Psychiatrist, please contact our Intake Coordinator at mmyers-stewart@centreforsexuality.ca